A Randomized Open-Label Study of Two Methods of Proton Pump Inhibitors Discontinuation.

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Unfortunately, they are often inappropriately prescribed and long-term use has potential adverse effects. A single best method for discontinuation of PPIs does not currently exist. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in successfully discontinuing PPI use at 12 months between patients discontinuing abruptly or tapering first. Methodology We conducted a randomized trial with 38 patients diagnosed with GERD. We collected six weekly and then monthly surveys of symptoms based on the Dyspepsia Symptom Severity Index. Chart review at 12 months determined whether the patient was able to discontinue PPI. Results A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis at 12 months did not show a statistically significant difference between the abrupt and taper groups for discontinuation of PPI medication (p = 0.75). Cox regression analysis showed no association of alcohol use, smoking, or caffeine use with failure to discontinue PPI, but H2 blocker use was associated with a 79% reduction in risk of failure to discontinue PPI (p = 0.004). The taper group had significantly less symptoms 14, 18, 22, and 30 weeks after discontinuation. Conclusions Our study suggests that there is no difference in successful discontinuation of PPIs between abrupt and taper methods at 12 months; however, there are less symptoms in the taper method, and H2 blocker use is associated with success. Further study is needed with larger numbers of participants and randomization of H2 blocker use.

Argatroban Treatment and Decreased Fibrinogen in a Septic Patient.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a consumptive coagulopathy associated with multiple conditions. Diagnosis is based upon clinical and laboratory findings with assessment of fibrinogen, platelets, D-dimer, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time. Herein, we report a case of a 39-year-old female patient diagnosed with endocarditis complicated by pulmonary septic emboli. For anticoagulation, the patient initially was treated with a heparin drip, but the patient remained subtherapeutic despite increasing dosage. The patient was transitioned to argatroban and developed an acute drop in the fibrinogen level. With concern for possible DIC, argatroban was held with a repeat panel six hours later revealing a significantly improved fibrinogen level. It was discovered that the Clauss method, which measures the capability of fibrinogen to form a clot after a high concentration of thrombin is added to diluted plasma, was used to measure fibrinogen at our institute. Argatroban may falsely reduce measured fibrinogen levels in vitro, caused by this method.

Treating Venous Thromboembolism Post Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Case Report.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant issue occurring due to genetic, acquired and circumstantial risk factors. Treatment is according to the clinical situation and judgment for long term anticoagulation based on individual risk. Anticoagulation after a history of a hemorrhagic stroke poses a therapeutic dilemma. We present a case of a 68-year-old male who presented with right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. Workup included a CT that was positive for multiple right-sided pulmonary emboli (PE). The patient has a past medical history of Factor V Leiden Mutation, recurrent PE, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Two months prior he was diagnosed with a 1.3-cm intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) from multiple cavernous angiomas. At that time his warfarin was discontinued and an inferior vena cave (IVC) filter was placed. Facing the recent ICH and now multiple and recurrent PE, it was decided to resume anticoagulation based on ICH location. ICH from a deep source is likely a better characteristic that favors a resumption of anticoagulation. Our case will highlight that IVC filters cannot be solely relied upon in patients that are at high risk for thrombotic events with underlying genetic thrombophilia.

A Challenging Case of Coexisting Type A and Type B Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report.

The etiology of lactic acidosis can potentially be misleading, especially in a critically ill patient with malignancy. Type B lactic acidosis represents a rare and often lethal complication of malignancy. When differentiating the types of lactic acidosis, Type A is due to marked tissue hypoperfusion and Type B is due to causes in the setting of a normal perfused state. We report the case of a 56-year-old male with newly diagnosed poorly differentiated neuroendocrine metastatic carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma who presented with a decreased level of consciousness and appetite. The patient was started on a sepsis protocol from an initial intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Broad spectrum antibiotics were initiated, and despite management, his mentation and respiratory status worsened, leading to intubation and mechanical ventilation. The patient continued to have elevated lactic acid and white count levels throughout the hospital course. After extensive workup and an ICU stay of 16 days, a decision was made to pursue comfort care measures and the patient passed away shortly thereafter. The patient's persistently elevated lactic acidosis may have resulted from the inherent malignancy. The literature mentions glycolysis with enhanced metabolism as a proposed mechanism. One theory states that these changes enable cancer cells to acquire and metabolize nutrients in a way that favors proliferation over efficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, resulting in elevations of lactate production. Patients presenting to the ICU with elevated lactic acid levels need to be thoroughly worked up for all potential causes. In our case, the underlying malignancies likely caused the persistently elevated lactic acidosis, despite subtherapeutic treatment and resuscitative measures.

Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis, A Rare Variant Presenting as Multiple Ring-enhancing Lesions in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report.

Tumefactive multiple sclerosis (TMS) is a rare entity which can be difficult to diagnose unless definitive diagnostic measures are taken. TMS is characterized by solitary or multiple lesions that are sized > 2 cm, with/without mass effect, edema, and ring enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The demyelinating lesion can mimic infections, vascular lesions, and inflammatory lesions. The clinical presentation is highly dependent on the area of the brain which is affected, and this can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms. Herein, we present the case of a 40-year-old immunocompetent female with a history of right-sided numbness of her face, arm, and leg associated with muscle weakness for about a week. Workup included an MRI showing ring-enhancing lesions in the white matter of the brain, zero oligoclonal bands in the CSF, a normal immunoglobulin G (IgG) index, and an elevated myelin basic protein (MBP) in the CSF. A biopsy was obtained that showed predominant macrophage infiltrate with loss of myelin but the preservation of axons. Suspecting a demyelinating pathology, the patient was informed that she would be started on intravenous dexamethasone for an eight-day course. With subsequent completion of this course in the hospital, the patient was discharged on oral prednisone daily for a month and a referral leading to a definitive diagnosis of TMS. The patient was started on interferon beta-1a and subsequently relapsed due to noncompliance. However, further workup showed a reduction in the mass-like lesions and a response to therapy. If suspicion for TMS is high despite workup, steroids can be used with immunomodulators in the interim to combat symptoms and potentially reduce lesions and potentially subvert the need for biopsy.

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Complicated by Right Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder notable for rapidly progressive vascular aneurysmal disease and craniofacial defects. Patients are at an increased risk for aneurysm rupture and dissection at younger ages compared to other aneurysmal syndromes. Early surgical intervention is important for prevention of ruptures and/or dissection. The coronary arterial tree is mostly involved as a result of postoperative complications of an aortic root repair. This fact has been sparsely reported. We report a unique case of LDS2 presenting with chest pain that was later diagnosed as a pseudoaneurysm as a result of a right coronary artery graft dehiscence.